[Late diagnosis of a bronchial fracture after thoracic injury]

We report a case of bronchial fracture diagnosed in a child who had sustained a chest injury two and a half months earlier. Immediately after the injury, clinical and roentgenographic findings usually suggest the diagnosis, which is then confirmed by fiberoptic endoscopy. Because latent forms are frequent (10%), fiberoptic bronchoscopy should be widely used in patients having sustained a motor vehicle accident responsible for a significant chest injury. A follow-up visit two months after the injury ensures prompt detection of secondary complications.